Zambia Safari: 5 Amazing Destinations
Most people don’t think of a Zambia safari, but it’s actually widely ranked as one of the top five destinations in Africa. Unique wildlife, game reserves and national parks, as well as one of the world’s most famous rivers and waterfalls, make Zambia’s safari destination second to none.
There are direct flights from Johannesburg and Europe to Lusaka, from there it’s a hop, skip and jump to some of the wildest places in Africa. Zambia has always been known as “the real Africa”, as well as the home of the famous (and always popular) Walking Safari.
1. Victoria Falls: One of the original seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls is undoubtedly the most popular safari destination in the country and for good reason. Not only are the falls and the Zambezi River on offer, there are countless adventure activities; from rafting and bungee jumping to helicopter flights and canoeing to elephant riding. Victoria Falls is certainly as popular as Cape Town, the Kruger National Park or the Okavango Delta.
Get there: Fly into Victoria Falls or Livingstone airports, as part of a self-drive or safari package.
2. South Luangwa: This area is one of the largest wildlife centers in the world. There are few national parks in Africa that come close in terms of the amount of wildlife and sightings; South Luangwa is a true photographer’s paradise. A unique variety of wildlife exists within the valley, including Thorneycroft’s giraffe, Cookson’s wildebeest and Crawshay’s zebra.
For bird watchers, South Luangwa offers a paradise of its own with over 400 species of birds to be found. The park covers 9,050 square kilometers and became a National Park in 1972.
Get there: Fly from Lusaka to Mfuwe International Airport, as part of a safari or self-drive.
3. Kafue National Park: Kafue is the largest national park in Zambia, about the same size as Wales in the UK. Kafue National Park is not as popular as South Luangwa or Lower Zambezi National Parks. The Busanga Plains found in the north of the park offer fantastic wildlife and bird life, as well as luxurious lodges that combine to offer unique safaris that will be truly unforgettable. The plains are world famous for their lion, leopard and cheetah sightings along with large herds of buffalo and antelope. Adding Kafue National Park to any Zambia safari itinerary is highly recommended.
Get there: Fly directly to the lodge as part of a safari.
4. Lake Kariba: Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made dam and lies along the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia. 220 km long and 40 km wide covering a total of 5580 sq. kilometres; the lake is perhaps more comparable to a sea. It is undoubtedly one of the best photographic areas in Zambia with classic African sunsets set against a stunning backdrop of water and the African bush. One of the main attractions of Lake Kariba is the fantastic sport fishing on offer, complete with accommodation in local lodges or even houseboats, right on the lake. For an authentic experience, staying on one of the many houseboats on offer is always recommended.
Get there: Choose this as part of a safari package, air travel experience, or self-drive.
5. Zambezi River: The Zambezi is the fourth longest river in Africa, flowing through Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe and Zambia, ending in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Mozambique. The river is home to Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, and passes through the Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools National Parks. The many activities on offer include canoeing, whitewater rafting and some of the best fishing in Africa, not to mention some of the most magnificent wildlife and bird watching. All of the above locations are highly recommended and can easily be included in any scheduled or customized Zambia Safari.
Get there: Taken as part of a safari, flight or self-drive experience package.